Malaysian immigration authorities said 451 foreigners have been detained so far this year for working or engaging in other economic activities in the country after entering with social visit passes.
Under an intensified crackdown, they have conducted 7,105 enforcement operations this year, resulting in the detention of 41,596 foreigners for various offenses, immigration department director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said at a meeting this week, the New Straits Times reported.
Tourists enjoys the view, as the Petronas Twin Towers is seen in the background, from the KL Tower in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sept. 8, 2022. Photo by AFP |
Last year, 2,630 foreigners had been arrested for illegally working in the country, Malay Mail reported.
The social visit pass is meant for foreign nationals to enter Malaysia for tourism or visiting relatives for periods ranging from 14 to 90 days, but they are strictly prohibited from employment or business activities.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said strict action should be taken against foreign nationals who misuse social visit passes or visa exemptions to work in Malaysia.
Comments are closed.